Quick Quotes: Reaction to Quebec court ruling on Bill 21, religious symbols law
by The Canadian Press
Last Updated Apr 20, 2021 at 4:44 pm EDT
Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc-Andre Blanchard on Tuesday upheld the bulk of the province’s secularism law, known as Bill 21, which bans many public sector workers from wearing religious symbols on the job. Blanchard, however, struck down clauses pertaining to English-language school boards and a ban on members of the provincial legislature wearing face coverings. Quebec has announced it will appeal the ruling.
Here’s a quick look at some of the reaction to the decision:
“Our position has always been that Bill 21 conflicted with our values and our mission and with those of all Quebecers as expressed in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Its very adoption was contrary to our societal goal of promoting our peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic and inclusive Quebec.” Joe Ortona, chairman, English Montreal Schoo
Quebec Court Upholds Most of Province’s Controversial Secularism Law, Exempts English School Boards
MONTREAL The Quebec Superior Court has largely upheld the province’s law that bans certain public sector workers from wearing religious symbols on the job.
Justice Marc-Andre Blanchard did however rule that certain provisions of the law are unconstitutional as they pertain to English school boards.
The judge also struck down a ban on members of the national assembly wearing face coverings.
Bill 21 was adopted in June 2019 and prohibits public sector workers who are deemed to be in positions of authority, including teachers, police officers and judges, from wearing symbols such as hijabs, kippas or turbans at work.
Quick Quotes: Reaction to Quebec court ruling on Bill 21, religious symbols law
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Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette speaks to reporters at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Jolin-Barrette confirmed his government will appeal a court decision on Bill 21. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc-Andre Blanchard on Tuesday upheld the bulk of the province’s secularism law, known as Bill 21, which bans many public sector workers from wearing religious symbols on the job. Blanchard, however, struck down clauses pertaining to English-language school boards and a ban on members of the provincial legislature wearing face coverings. Quebec has announced it will appeal the ruling.
EMSB elated after Quebec court strikes down parts of Bill 21 In his decision, Judge Marc-André Blanchard upheld most of the law but ruled it can t be applied to English schools.
Author of the article: Jesse Feith • Montreal Gazette
Publishing date: Apr 20, 2021 • 45 minutes ago • 3 minute read • We value the diversity of our students and staff and respect their personal and religious rights which are guaranteed both by the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Rights, EMSB chair Joe Ortona said in a statement. Photo by Allen McInnis /Montreal Gazette
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Civil liberties groups and English school boards welcomed a Superior Court decision that struck down sections of Quebec’s secularism law on Tuesday, but noted it’s only a partial victory and pledged to keep fighting.
Bill 21, the law that demands that people in positions of authority in many provincial institutions not wear religious clothing or symbols on the job, has been upheld in Quebec Superior Court, with two exceptions.
The 250-page ruling, released Tuesday April 20, says the two exceptions are members of the National Assembly, and English school boards. Cases were brought against the law by several groups.
The English Montreal School Board celebrated the part of the decision that applies to them on Twitter Tuesday morning. @EnglishMTL is elated with the decision to strike down key provisions of #Bill21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State, says the tweet. This decision is specific to English-language school boards based on Sec. 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.